The Ministry of Labour and Social Development is organizing events for Older Persons Month, which will be celebrated this month in partnership with the National Council on Older Persons.
On October 1, 1991 the General Assembly of the United Nations observed for the first time the International Day of the Elderly.  That day was designated to give recognition to the past and potential contributions of older persons and their development.
In 1998, the National Council on Older Persons in The Bahamas was formed to plan and coordinate activities for 1999.  The International Year of Older Persons was celebrated for the first time that year.
Edith Powell, treasurer of the council, said Thursday at a news conference at the Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, Thompson Boulevard, that it is important to bridge the gap between the young and the elderly.  She was joined by members of the community, a number of centenarians and ministry officials.
"The council, together with social services, arranged [over the years] visitations and speaking engagements at various primary and high schools," Powell said.  "To name a few that I visited: Garvin Tynes Primary School, the Carmichael Primary School, Bahamas Academy Primary School, E.P. Roberts School, Uriah McPhee School and Saint Cecilia Primary School."
She added that the elderly need to become well-versed in the information and technology age by taking computer classes and becoming certified. Such classes are offered at East Street Gospel Chapel.
Loretta Butler-Turner, Minister of State for Labour and Social Development, said that older persons still have significant contributions to make regardless of their ages.
"Can you visualize the resources held by retired artisans, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers and social workers?  We need to harness all of that knowledge.  We cannot allow knowledge to be buried," she said.
"Older people are expected to play a vital role in the development of our country.  Hence, if this contribution to development is to continue, we must ensure that older persons enjoy adequate levels of health, financial and education resources and housing."
The national policy for older persons, which was compiled by the council, is based on the principles of individuality, independence, choice, identification and care for older persons, according to Powell.
She pointed out that the purpose of the policy is, "to assist and protect older persons from abuse and violence and to ensure they are treated as resourceful persons and not as a burden."
The month's activities will begin with a church service at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Bernard Road.  This will be followed by a fashion show.
On October 19, a workshop to bring about awareness of abuse to older persons will take place at Transfiguration Baptist Church, Market and Vesey Streets. A number of other activities will also take place during the month.
The theme of Older Persons Month is, 'Older People - A New Power For Development'.
The ceremonies will end with an awards ceremony at Government House on October 31 to recognize older persons and their contributions to the country.

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